New family do-it-all car - Estate or possibly SUV

[madmatteo]

A bit of background, I am currently on my 4th estate car since 2016.

It's a leased Peugeot 508 SW GT-Line (180hp petrol). It looks great and feels nice inside. Not had any issues with it plus it's been big enough for our needs. The issue, however, is that it replaced a Mercedes E350 estate which was privately owned and was sold when we needed an injection of cash for a business venture. As such, the drop in power and torque has been significant and I find myself just thinking of it as white goods - nothing wrong with it but nothing to excite a petrol head (save for maybe its looks). Also, prior to the E350, I had Leon Cupra Estate (300hp) and Golf R Estate. Both also more interesting than the 508.

All the cars save for the E350 have been on decent lease deals which, as many will know, simply don't exist right now. The 508 is due back in just a few months so I intend to purchase outright on a used basis again.

I've been thinking about budget and know that I could probably get a decent car for about £20k. However, I would really like to get into something more interesting that I can keep for a bit longer - say 3 to 5 years. So, I am willing to stretch this budget to mid to high £30s for the right car.

Mileage has dropped in recent years so fuel economy not a major concern and why I am now only considering petrol. Also, I'm still thinking estate but could potentially be persuaded into the right performance SUV since both would work for a young family (2 children under 6yrs).

Current working list is as follows:

1. Mercedes C63 Estate (W204) - Always wanted one since my dad had a saloon in around 2010. Maybe a bit old now though? A possible.
2. Mercedes C63 Estate (W205) - Possibly the top of my list right now. Within budget up to around 2018 model. Should probably test drive.
3. BMW 540i xdrive Touring - Similar to my old E350 in size but petrol and with well-liked B58 engine. Maybe not that interesting? Potentially considering still.
4. BMW M340i Touring - Seem to be just out of budget. Otherwise almost exactly what I am looking for.
4. BMW X3 M40i - Something different to another estate. Think they look and sound good. Within budget albeit seem to be marginally more expensive than 540i albeit may retain more value given preference for SUVs on used marked. Also considering.
5. Golf R Estate - Really liked my Golf R Estate. Did everything I needed even though it was a poverty lease spec. However, not sure I would feel the same second time around? Maybe want something different.
6. Leon Cupra ST R - Think these look great and know they would work fine as family car having had the non "R" version but would potentially be quite expensive with most still being £33k to £35k. Feels a lot of money for a Seat. A maybe still.
7. Mercedes E or C43 - Not as hardcore as C63 but may be easier to live with and slightly lower running costs. Would I regret not just going for the full C63 though?
8. Audi SQ5/Mercedes GLC43 AMG - Have considered since similar to X3 M40i but for some reason neither appeal as much as the BMW. No obvious reason why. Might consider further.
9. Skoda Superb 272/280 - Probably great all rounder but worried I would get bored with it. Not sure it's right even though it would work practically and cost wise.
10. Ford Focus ST Estate - Look good, good reviews. Manual only which may become annoying perhaps (I've been in autos only for years now). Good value though and probably fun to own and drive. Low cost overall but maybe steeper depreciation.
11. Audi S4 (B9) Estate - Look good but many low spec and still quite expensive. Works practically and cost wise but not sure all that excited by one.

I have also considered E63 Estate but W212 maybe too old now and W213 too expensive still. Also, thought about B8 RS4 since they look and sound great but concerned about some of their foibles and, thus, big repair bills which may frustrate the experience. So both discounted for now.

I know there have been a few similar posts recently but genuinely interested to hear about any real world experiences from those who may have been looking through a similar list of cars and those who have owned, or currently own, some of the cars mentioned above about what their experience has been like with them. Also, any alternative suggestions which I have not mentioned are welcome.

[madmatteo]

edc said:

Have you thought about a white goods car plus something more fun for yourself?

Or what about the Porsche Macan or Cayenne for your list.

I think the wife would veto the 2 car idea so probably not worth the argument.

As for the Macan and Cayenne. Both look good but Macan might be a tad too small (I think it's smaller inside than an X3) and Cayenne just feels like it could throw some monster bills my way. Not based on any actual experience though, just my initial thoughts.

[madmatteo]

stevemcs said:

Focus ST is available as an auto too.

Fair point. That said, I don't think I have ever seen auto ST estate. If one comes up, could be worth considering.

[madmatteo]

Bobupndown said:

Don't need to spend mid £30k for a car to last 5 years?
You mean you want to...

Agreed, but I don't think I said I "need" to spend £30k at all. Just that buying an "interesting" car of the estate and SUV form does tend to cost that much nowadays. I totally agree I could spend a lot less and I may well choose to do just that.

[madmatteo]

Jamescrs said:

I'm currently looking at similar cars myself and one that has come up that you may want to consider is the Cupra Ateca, form my understanding it is the same engine as the Golf R but with the SUV shell, they seem to be well specced and I hink fly under the radar more than the Tiguan R

I quite like these but think these are a bit small compared with others on my list. Not necessarily a deal breaker but something to bear in mind perhaps. May keep them on the search list.

Tiguan Rs are mostly around £40k and I don't want to go that high.

[madmatteo]

What The Deuces said:

A 10 year old version of one of the worlds most unreliable cars.......


Best of luck lol


I'd just Buy another E350 Wagon and enjoy your money

If I was still doing the miles, I wouldn't think twice. It was a great car and is also the reason the E43 is in the list as well. Just not sure I need to go quite as big as an E this time since we are now out of the buggy stage with children so a C estate may suffice - maybe.

[madmatteo]

GreatGranny said:

S6

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302204...

V60 Hybrid

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301263...

V90 Hybrid

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303034...

XF

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303014...

Cayenne

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210261...

Stelvio

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303044...

E43

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203284...

For me it would be either the S6 or E43 but I'd want a decent warranty on both.

Thank you for these. I've seen that S6 and it looks great in that colour. Just makes me a little hesitant for some reason though and I'm more drawn to the E43 out of your main suggestions. Will keep an eye out for a good one of those I think.

[madmatteo]

ZX10R NIN said:

If you want something special then in my book that means a V8, now my first pick is a peach BUT it's at the very top of your budget & a stretch

CLS63:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209260...

More sensibly priced one:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302063...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302064...

5.5TT E63:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301093...

The 5.5TT drivetrains are beasts but I do enjoy the N/A 6.2 more so I'm going to suggest the 6.2 C63:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302244...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210150...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207087...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302033...

Thank you for this list.

Nice choices. Most already on my watch list. The CLS 63 is an interesting one though. That Edition 1 looks lovely.

Do you not rate the W205?

[madmatteo]

PushedDover said:

t'was the 4wd, and raising suspension that helps it cross over to the OP's threadtitle of 'SUV'.

Also a thought OP, is 'the car of choice' compatible with a tow bar installation ?
Useful options for the future - bike racks if nothing else.

Fair point albeit I have been putting bikes on the roof in recent years which seems to work fine. Perhaps worth considering with this next car though.

[madmatteo]

nobrakes said:

One of the class estates.

Yes, you’ve finished with buggies etc, but will soon start sports kit bags, bikes etc. sure, the C class etc will do, but the E will be much more comfortable for it.

I expect the E43 might be a bit cheaper to run than a 63, but the 63 might be better in the depreciation stakes so overall there may not be anything in it.

(I have no experience of any of those listed!)

You have got me thinking - an E is a great family car. I just don't know whether we do need to go that big again.

The 508 is similar size to C class and it's been fine for week long UK family holidays which is why I was being drawn towards a C63 instead. Nonetheless, it was great having the E class and Golf R Estate (which is only a little smaller in the boot department) as you knew they would cope with almost anything that family life might throw at them.

[madmatteo]

Alickadoo said:

Have you thought about a Lexus RX?

Various versions available.

I have. I can't argue that the 10 year warranty (if main dealer serviced) is attractive and also that the car what deal with family life easily. Maybe worth a closer look.

[madmatteo]

FlyingPanda said:

You mentioned that the BMW 340i Touring would be good but possibly just out of budget. I’d heartily recommend a 2016+ BMW 335d Touring. I did a bit of ‘downsizing’ last year and just got this as a practical workhorse, but I have been amazed just how much I enjoy driving it. It’s as fast as you’re ever likely to need in the UK, practical but not too huge for 1960’s Multi Storey Car Parks and averages over 35 mpg even with plenty of hooning.

Look for a post 2016 LCI model with a decent spec and you’ll have some budget left over.

If my mileage was higher, I would definitely consider but, as it is, I think 340i or M340i would work better. Just wish the M340i touring would sneak into budget. It's very close but not quite close enough.

[madmatteo]

ninjag said:

What about the B8.5 S4 Avant? I was in the same position and needed a do it all family car and ended up with this. If you go for the late 2014/15 it comes with the revised CREC engine. It ticked a lot of boxes for me:

Pretty quick and can be tuned to over 400bhp just from a remap plus lots of extra tuning options and upgrades
Standard running costs and good reliability with the B8.5
Reasonable fuel economy (mind that petrol is cheaper than diesel as well)
A little more special being supercharged (great whine if custom intake)
Brilliant rear bias AWD system with torque vectoring (even better with sports LSD)
B&O Sound system
Not glary but quads and small touches are enough to catch the eye

Going for about £20k now. I'm really happy with mine with the only alternative being the Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake, but finding one is crazy hard and they command quite the premium.

Can't argue with the value compared with alternatives. Will have a look. Thanks.

[madmatteo]

NeoVR said:

It’s annoying that there’s such a touring-tax on the m340i at the moment.
I’m in a similar boat to you and m340 is top of the list, but difficult to justify the cost. (It’ll be replacing a 5pot v70 T5 so has to sound good too!)

If they had got down to 35-36ish, I would bite but £40k remains the realistic entry point. Just seems high to me still. Shame as looks a great car.

The facelift C43 is similar. I would be happy with either.

[madmatteo]

I know a lot of these topics never get updated with the eventual purchase made. So, I thought I would conclude mine with confirmation that heart won firmly over head as I have found and purchased a privately owned W204 C63 AMG Estate. I was originally fixed on getting one with the 19 inch multi-spoke wheels on but so many are cracked and re-welded now. However, the 18s also look great in person with far less chance of cracking etc so I decided not to be too picky about this.

It was the best value I could find for one which has been well looked after. Full MB service history. No failed MOTS. New matching tyres all around. New recent air con condensor. clean exterior and interior. Plus, it's a 2014 so the very end of the W204 C63s.

My mileage is very low right now so fuel costs etc not really an issue. Also, I thought that it was kind of a now or never with the W204. I didn't want to regret not doing it later on.

I am going to begin working through some preventative maintenance in the coming months and years but, otherwise, will continue to use and look after what feels like a mad family estate car.

Oh, and I ended up spending far less than my original max budget leaving plenty in the kitty for future servicing, and the odd bit of maintenance. Hopefully, the car will now look after me for a few years at least.

[madmatteo]

AllyBee said:

Congrats.

One of the cars on my short list as well. Been keeping an eye on the ads and there don't seem to be many for sale at the moment, so you did well with that one. Can I ask what preventive maintenance you're planning - might come in handy for me.

Good question. Initially, I intend to do a gearbox service since I think it must be good for the gearbox to do this (even though my seems to be working fine). Also, last one was about 5 years and 33,000 miles ago.

Then, I want to get the front suspension drop links checked since they are a weak point on W204s generally. Quite expensive on a C63 but, once done, should last me years.

Then, I'm going to get the injectors changed. It's about £300 (or so) to get this done but, again, should ensure they last for my tenure with the car. They may not need doing right now but, if they fail, it's catastrophic for the engine. So, worth a small initial outlay I think.

In the longer term, I will think about having the stronger cam adjuster plates put on the car with parts from a US company call 63motorsport. This is one of the more major weaknesses of the W204 C63 and once changed to stronger plates, it shouldn't repeat itself. That said, I don't currently have the start-up rattle like so many of the 63s of this era so will try to hold out for now since the job is expensive. Think £1,000 to £2,000 depending on where you go. Even more if you go to MB.

There are a few other things which I will discuss with my local Indy - i.e. PCV valve replacement and engine mount updates. However, hopefully I can hold out on these for now.

Otherwise, drive and enjoy. I went out at lunch today and the noise and wave of power/torque is an utter joy. Starting it up from cold will literally never get boring.

[madmatteo]

AllyBee said:

Thanks for that, some good info there. I'd heard about the injectors. Other thing I've heard is worth doing is replacing the serpentine belt belt and tensioners if not done already.

Fair point. Forgot about that. Will add to my list to discuss with the indy - cheers.

Good luck with your search though.

By the way, as soon as you start one up from cold, it will be extremely hard to not want one. It has to be one of, if not the best, sounding "normal(ish)" car ever.

[madmatteo]

ZX10R NIN said:

You picked the right 63 in my bias opinion the 6.2 is the sweet spot

Thanks ZX, I am genuinely pleased that it gets your stamp of approval.